Confirmation
blessing rite heldOn Oct. 8th, thirty young people gathered to begin their second year
of Confirmation. The day started with the active service of
roadside clean up. As orange vests were gathered, signs put up and
gloves readied the group headed out to Highway 95 to search for treasures.
The competition was on to see who could find the coolest thing in the midst
of our 3 miles stretch. At the end of this adventure our trophies comprised
of 2 buckets, 3 gas caps, a Boise State flag, and a set of silverware.
I’d say it was a very successful mission.
Following our service activity we gathered together at Assumption Hall
to eat lunch and begin our afternoon retreat. The retreat began with
a video of Jesus calling His disciples from the Sea of Galilee. His
call challenged the fisherman to leave their nets behind and follow him.
Our afternoon was spent discovering our net worth, acknowledging the safety
nets in our lives, exploring obstacles that tangle our nets, and reflecting
on ways we can get caught up in the net of discipleship. Each youth
was challenged to grow deeper in their own call on the Confirmation journey
as they reflected, journaled, prayed, shared, worked, and listened.
It was a meaningful way to start this sacramental journey!
At 5:00 p.m. the youth gathered at Assumption Church for the Mass and
a Blessing Rite. It is here they were recognized and acknowledge
by name in front of the gathered community. As a Church we join them
on this path as they strive to live out their baptismal call in a fuller
and deeper way. What a beautiful site to see so many young hearts
yearning to take ownership of their faith walk and join in the dance of
parish and community life.
At the end of the Liturgy the community gathered back at Assumption
hall for a wonderful spaghetti dinner prepared by Angela Seubert.
Everyone came together to celebrate and rejoice in the gift of who we are
as the Body of Christ. It was a perfect way to end the day.
Please continue to pray for these young people as they continue to learn,
grow, and develop in the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit! We
truly are counting on you!

Tri-Parish
to host Advent missionSt. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cottonwood is the home of our advent
mission. There will be four consecutive evenings of prayer, singing and
reflections in response to the preaching of Fr. Anthony Judge C.S.s.R.
a Redemptionist priest from Chicago. The Redemtorists have a long history
of preaching parish missions in the United States.
The Parish Mission is an extraordinary preaching event. God’s Word
is proclaimed through the Bible and through life, learning and personal
experience of the preacher. The MISSION begins Sunday, November 27, at
7:00 p.m. and continues each of the next three evenings, concluding on
Wednesday evening. Each service should last about an hour and 15 minutes
and will be followed by a time for fellowship and snacks and drinks.
The themes, symbols, topics and goals of the preaching and reflections
and renewal is different each evening. All members of Assumption, St. Anthony’s
and St. Mary’s parish are urged to participate in this “CONVERSION MISSION.”
Indeed, all Christians in the area are invited to attend any part of, or
all of, this great event.